DECATUR COUNTY, Ga. — A south Georgia deputy has died after he was shot in the line of duty by a suspect during a manhunt over the weekend.
Decatur County Lt. Justin Bedwell died Monday, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help Bedwell’s family. Bedwell leaves behind a wife and stepdaughter.
“Our prayers go to the family, both blood & blue, of Lt. Justin Bedwell of the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office who died this morning after being shot in the line of duty. He paid the ultimate sacrifice, and we thank him for his service,” the agency said in a statement.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
Bedwell was shot in the line of duty on Saturday as authorities searched for suspects who ran from deputies following a traffic stop in Seminole County.
The two men, identified as Troy Phillips and Brad Phillips, refused to stop and a chase ensued, according to the GBI. Officials said the suspects began to shoot at Seminole County deputies, who returned fire.
TRENDING STORIES:
- Trees down, power out in some parts of metro Atlanta after storms roll through
- Part of West Peachtree reopens over a week after crane began dangling over Midtown
- Fulton County residents eligible for up to $1,500 in emergency rental, utility assistance
The chase continued into Decatur County, where deputies there also joined the pursuit. Officials said one of the suspects shot at Bedwell’s car as he arrived at the scene.
Bedwell’s family said he was rushed to a Tallahassee hospital for surgery. He later died from his injuries.
Sheriff Wiley Griffin said Bedwell is a 19-year veteran of the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office who trained many of the department’s young deputies.
“Lieutenant Bedwell will be truly missed and we are devastated by his passing. Please continue to pray for Lieutenant Bedwell’s family, the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office and our community,” Griffin said.
[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]